The Ramones, whose original lineup also included drummer Tommy Ramone, formed in 1974 in New York, making a name for themselves with rapid-fire rock and roll that was as catchy as it was loud. Though remembered for such widely known songs as "Blitzkrieg Bop" and "I Wanna Be Sedated," the Ramones never found mainstream success. The group, which called it quits in 1996, was inducted into the Rock and Roll Hall of Fame in 2002 (see "Vedder Rambles, Green Day Scramble As Ramones Enter Hall ").

Cummings, who grew up in Queens and worked in construction before joining the Ramones, had retired to Los Angeles with his wife, Linda, where he was reportedly working on his memoirs. Family members and friends — including Eddie Vedder, Rob Zombie, Lisa Marie Presley and Vincent Gallo — were at his home when he passed, according to the AP report.